Israel and Lebanon's war of attrition drones on

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has devolved into a protracted war of attrition, with daily rocket and drone attacks forcing residents of northern Israel to constantly seek shelter. This ongoing barrage paralyzes normal life and tragically cuts short lives, a grim reality that, post-October 7, 2023, is now universally understood across Israel.

This situation draws parallels to the First Lebanon War, which began 44 years ago. In 1982, Israel entered the conflict to halt PLO terror attacks. Back then, Syria controlled Lebanon, and Hezbollah had not yet been formed. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran, through its proxy Hezbollah, is the primary instigator of casualties, even affecting UN peacekeeping forces. The author recalls a souvenir certificate from her army service, humorously admitting bearers to 'The Order of the Sitting Duck' for being fired upon by Syrians, illustrating the enduring nature of the threat.

Israel has responded with significant military operations against Iran and Hezbollah. These include the September 2024 Pager Operation, which eliminated key Hezbollah leaders and their successors, as well as Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his followers. Operations Rising Lion and Roaring Lion, conducted in June 2024 and February 2025 respectively, demonstrated advanced intelligence and aerial combat capabilities. Despite these actions, Hezbollah continues to employ deadly drones and rockets, maintaining a constant threat.

The article also touches upon international relations, noting France's decision to bar Israel from displaying offensive weapons at a defense fair. This action is framed by the author using the French maxim “plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose” – the more things change, the more they stay the same – suggesting a recurring pattern of diplomatic friction.

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plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose